JYP Entertainment, representing Jihyo, also confirmed the relationship.
Entertainment media outlet Dispatch reported earlier on Monday that Kang, 24, and Jihyo, 23, met through an unidentified idol singer in 2018 and began dating in early 2019.
The pair reportedly meet at least once a week, mostly in Kang's high-security home in Hannam-dong, Seoul.
Dispatch said a TWICE member once drove Jihyo to Kang’s residence.
The two were also together on July 25, the day of Kang’s solo debut. Kang released his solo debut album “Color on me”, fronted by the lead number, What are you up to, and held showcase events on the day. Jihyo reportedly visited him after the events.
Fans of both stars are shocked by the news. Some are angry at Dispatch.
“Kang just made his solo debut. I think it is heartless to break such news at this moment,” a fan commented.
Kang shot to fame after winning Mnet’s idol audition show Produce 101, Season 2 in 2017. He joined Wanna One, the project boy band composed of the programme’s top 11, and found success with a string of chart-topping hits including Energetic (2017).
Since Wanna One’s disbandment in December 2018, Kang has been forging a solo career.
He is also involved in a legal dispute with his former agency LM Entertainment.
Jihyo debuted as a member of the nine-piece girl group TWICE in 2015. The band rose to stardom with big hits including Cheer Up (2016) and Knock Knock (2017). The band is on a world tour, which ends on August 17.
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